The Last Nomads, a profile book produced by journalists from the Mongolian news outlet Ergelt.mn, was launched in the Swiss Confederation’s capital, Geneva.
The event was attended by D. Gerelmaa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Swiss Confederation; John Mussi, Director of the Liechtenstein News Agency; Swiss veteran Luc Fellay; Ergelt.mn Editor-in-Chief E. Khurelbaatar; Executive Editor B. Enkhmart; the book’s authors; Swiss citizens and students.
During the launch, guests discussed the possibility of publishing The Last Nomads in German and French for distribution in Switzerland and neighboring European countries. The event also featured a book exchange activity for children and a small book fair.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Gerelmaa welcomed the initiative.
“I am pleased that the authors of The Last Nomads have come to Geneva to launch their book. The journalists of Ergelt.mn produced this work based on long-term research. I believe The Last Nomads will play an important role in introducing contemporary Mongolia to the world. We will work to facilitate publication not only in Switzerland but also in other European countries. I appreciate that the team documented Mongolia’s cultural heritage, unique traditions and everyday practices at a professional level,” she said.
John Mussi, Director of the Liechtenstein News Agency, said the book offers a different perspective on Mongolia.
“I am pleased that The Last Nomads, a book presenting another view of Mongolian history, has come to Switzerland. I expect it will introduce a very different Mongolia than the one I have heard and read about. Listening to the presentation, I discovered many topics I look forward to exploring. I am confident that once I finish the book, I will want to study Mongolia further,” he said.
Swiss veteran Luc Fellay, who works with a Swiss Mongolian civic organization, reflected on Mongolian social traditions.
“I first learned about Mongolia through a friend, and later I visited the country myself. It is truly extraordinary. As the world becomes more industrialized, people increasingly live independently and alone, and the warmth of family life is often lost. Because of Mongolia’s climate and nomadic lifestyle, people must work together and overcome challenges collectively, so the warmth of family is preserved. I hope this tradition never disappears. Through The Last Nomads, I felt that warmth again and I am glad to meet more interesting people through it,” he said.